Unification minister vows full efforts to stably manage situation with N. Korea

Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho leaves after the cabinet meeting in Seoul, Dec. 10. Yonhap

Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho pledged on Tuesday to make his utmost efforts in managing the security situation with North Korea, as South Korea grapples with the fallout from President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched declaration of martial law last week.

"As unification minister and a member of the Cabinet, I deeply feel a sense of responsibility for the situation facing South Korea," Kim said in a text message sent to reporters. "With a heavy heart, I give my word of apology to the people."

Kim was reported to be among the ministers who attended a Cabinet meeting Yoon convened shortly before his declaration of martial law last Tuesday night. Police have requested the 10 Cabinet members and the spy chief who attended the meeting appear for a probe related to Yoon's martial law.

The minister said that he will carry out his duties until his final day in office "with alertness and without a hint of wavering at a time when the inter-Korean situation is grave and security uncertainties are escalating both in and outside the country."

"Above all, I will muster my utmost efforts to stably manage the situation on the Korean Peninsula in close cooperation with related ministries, to ensure that the people do not feel anxious," Kim said. (Yonhap)